Tamim rues long gap between Tests

Tamim Iqbal, the Bangladesh opener, has said the huge gap between the team's Test matches is hurting their chances in the format. When they host West Indies for two Tests starting next week, Bangladesh will play five-day cricket after a gap of 11 months.

"Our situation isn't good, we play Tests after long gaps," Tamim told ESPNcricinfo. "We should have this mentality of adapting ourselves from one format to the other. If we had played regular Test cricket, this question about adjusting wouldn't have come up."

Bangladesh played five Tests last year, drawing one and losing the other four, a marginal improvement from 2010, when they lost all seven Tests they played. However, Tamim had a stellar 2010, when he made three Test centuries, and a leaner 2011; when he struggled because of the team's 14-month break from Test cricket. Most Bangladesh players struggled to make that transition from limited-overs to Tests.

"Good form doesn't last for long, so one has to make the best of it. When I was doing really well in 2010, how many Tests did I end up playing? If someone else was in my place, he would have played more and made more runs."

Tamim said he planned to bring more discipline to his game this season in order to make up for the break, but added that it was the player's mentality that mattered.

"It depends on individuals. If one's thinking pattern goes like, 'I am playing a Test match after a year and a half', his performance will be what he makes of it. If you think differently and decide that I should be ready mentally, I think this gives a player more chances to perform.

"If you make a professional cricketer play a T20 after two years of Tests, he won't just start leaving balls outside off stump. He's not an idiot. He has the sense to hit out. The same thing happens when you bring him back to Tests from Twenty20s."

Bangladesh will mark 12 years in Test cricket with the second lowest number of Tests in a year - just the two against West Indies (the lowest being the single Test against India in 2000). They have a longer 2012-13 season, however, with Tests scheduled against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe early next year, but only positive results will give the country's cricket authorities a little more room to manoeuvre their cricket schedule and attract top countries to play against Bangladesh.

Tamim said the players had to look at their situation positively. "What opportunities we get, we should make full use of it. This will give us more chances to play."

Hi friends. Don't ignore anybody. Remember a little tiger will turn into a big tiger but that will need a reasonable time. Bangladesh are the most youngest nations among 9 other country. It proves that we everybody's expectation is much more higher that's why peoples are talking too much about BD. just wait and see day's are coming like ICC vice president and next president. c'mon guys it just only 12 yr's in test. While someone like Sachin, Ponting, Afridi played more than the total BD teams. Please stop criticizing and appreciate them to go ahead. Best of Luck Bangladesh.

Alex
on November 12, 2012, 2:04 GMT

Bangladesh were given test status to soon, they had no FC competition at the time of receiving test status which is why they struggled so much initially, on top of that the FC competition they did implement isn't taken very seriously and hasn't been improved upon to help create test standard players. however slowly but surely players techniques and will to win and improve is increasing. the results may be similar but the standard of the Bangladesh team now to when they first started playing test matches is a vast difference, and with youngsters like gazi, anamul, mominul, s.sarker, shuvagata coming through the BD team looks like it will continue to improve and they will start to challenge the bigger teams a lot more often and will get some wins.

Jonny
on November 11, 2012, 17:13 GMT

@maddy20:-Problem! Bangladesh don't even play enough ODIs only 4 this year so there's no chance of them ever breaking into the top 5.

V.L
on November 11, 2012, 12:05 GMT

@Third_Gear
Bangladesh should play tests with Zim and associate nations first and then push their case for a test series with a major test playing nations. If you do not have a single series win to show for in 12 years of playing it, then why would anyone want to play with Bangladesh, knowing it would be a snooze fest and a one-sided thrashing of Bangladesh? Another thing they should concentrate on is to create a strong domestic cricket structure instead of BPL, that PL and what-not-PL. The best cricket players make it to the international scene through FC cricket. If you really want to play test cricket, then you should show your intent first. You can start your premier leagues once you break into the top 5 in ICC rankings in atleast ODIs or even better, test cricket.

Enamul
on November 11, 2012, 7:17 GMT

ICC should concentrate in making window for growing nations in FTP not for IPL. If a team is to play test after 11 months it proves a great failure of ICC and we can easily understand they are busy with only many countries and their money invloved tournaments.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 22:48 GMT

all test nation country playing test match while bangladesh out of test match around 11 month . how bangladesh could be good in test if the dont play test . i think icc have to more realistic about globalization of cricket , theay need to give chance play all country to play test . it cant be like that some country are in elit and other who just come play cricket theay are not elit means theay need permision to play test cricket .

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 21:43 GMT

Bangladesh and zimbabwe should be added to the intercontennal cup thats a way of getting regular 4 day cricket

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 20:43 GMT

It's quite patronizing to hear the same thing again and again...Bangladesh didn't get chance to play too many test matches, this and that.
So, if I raise a question" Oh people, have we ever appeared a Math exam without practicing. The answer would contradict the statement in-case the Bangladeshi team responds it.
In many test matches, I have noticed Attar Ali khan talking about the lack of net-practice all day long among the batsmen in our team. Therefore, if we can overcome the strain of enduring more load it's possible to expect centuries from openers like Tamim and Junaied. Moreover, the weather in Dhaka is a bit of cold due to the approaching winter-an advantage for our players to practice more in absence of the obnoxious heat.
Lastly, I would like to conclude by saying" Bhaizanera" please don't play the test in a T-20 approach(especially to Tamim Bhai).
Good luck!

Jay
on November 10, 2012, 19:38 GMT

I think the ICC have a LOT to ponder. Their attitude towards 'smaller' teams like BD is costing those teams big time. I know BD are not an attractive team but if they don't get to play test cricket against the big boys, then they are doomed. India too have to take a good look at themselves. What have they done to improve BD cricket ? Being an Indian fan, I am ashamed at the BCCI's attitude. Instead of playing a MEANINGLESS T20 and ODI series against Pakistan, why not schedule a 2 test series against BD. This is coming from a hater of test cricket BUT I too know the sense of playing test cricket with a nation that needs improvement. BD deserve to get proper practice against top teams. Right now, they are not being helped by anyone.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 19:27 GMT

When it comes to test cricket, Bangladesh is 100% guaranteed minnows.

Dummy4
on November 12, 2012, 15:23 GMT

Hi friends. Don't ignore anybody. Remember a little tiger will turn into a big tiger but that will need a reasonable time. Bangladesh are the most youngest nations among 9 other country. It proves that we everybody's expectation is much more higher that's why peoples are talking too much about BD. just wait and see day's are coming like ICC vice president and next president. c'mon guys it just only 12 yr's in test. While someone like Sachin, Ponting, Afridi played more than the total BD teams. Please stop criticizing and appreciate them to go ahead. Best of Luck Bangladesh.

Alex
on November 12, 2012, 2:04 GMT

Bangladesh were given test status to soon, they had no FC competition at the time of receiving test status which is why they struggled so much initially, on top of that the FC competition they did implement isn't taken very seriously and hasn't been improved upon to help create test standard players. however slowly but surely players techniques and will to win and improve is increasing. the results may be similar but the standard of the Bangladesh team now to when they first started playing test matches is a vast difference, and with youngsters like gazi, anamul, mominul, s.sarker, shuvagata coming through the BD team looks like it will continue to improve and they will start to challenge the bigger teams a lot more often and will get some wins.

Jonny
on November 11, 2012, 17:13 GMT

@maddy20:-Problem! Bangladesh don't even play enough ODIs only 4 this year so there's no chance of them ever breaking into the top 5.

V.L
on November 11, 2012, 12:05 GMT

@Third_Gear
Bangladesh should play tests with Zim and associate nations first and then push their case for a test series with a major test playing nations. If you do not have a single series win to show for in 12 years of playing it, then why would anyone want to play with Bangladesh, knowing it would be a snooze fest and a one-sided thrashing of Bangladesh? Another thing they should concentrate on is to create a strong domestic cricket structure instead of BPL, that PL and what-not-PL. The best cricket players make it to the international scene through FC cricket. If you really want to play test cricket, then you should show your intent first. You can start your premier leagues once you break into the top 5 in ICC rankings in atleast ODIs or even better, test cricket.

Enamul
on November 11, 2012, 7:17 GMT

ICC should concentrate in making window for growing nations in FTP not for IPL. If a team is to play test after 11 months it proves a great failure of ICC and we can easily understand they are busy with only many countries and their money invloved tournaments.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 22:48 GMT

all test nation country playing test match while bangladesh out of test match around 11 month . how bangladesh could be good in test if the dont play test . i think icc have to more realistic about globalization of cricket , theay need to give chance play all country to play test . it cant be like that some country are in elit and other who just come play cricket theay are not elit means theay need permision to play test cricket .

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 21:43 GMT

Bangladesh and zimbabwe should be added to the intercontennal cup thats a way of getting regular 4 day cricket

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 20:43 GMT

It's quite patronizing to hear the same thing again and again...Bangladesh didn't get chance to play too many test matches, this and that.
So, if I raise a question" Oh people, have we ever appeared a Math exam without practicing. The answer would contradict the statement in-case the Bangladeshi team responds it.
In many test matches, I have noticed Attar Ali khan talking about the lack of net-practice all day long among the batsmen in our team. Therefore, if we can overcome the strain of enduring more load it's possible to expect centuries from openers like Tamim and Junaied. Moreover, the weather in Dhaka is a bit of cold due to the approaching winter-an advantage for our players to practice more in absence of the obnoxious heat.
Lastly, I would like to conclude by saying" Bhaizanera" please don't play the test in a T-20 approach(especially to Tamim Bhai).
Good luck!

Jay
on November 10, 2012, 19:38 GMT

I think the ICC have a LOT to ponder. Their attitude towards 'smaller' teams like BD is costing those teams big time. I know BD are not an attractive team but if they don't get to play test cricket against the big boys, then they are doomed. India too have to take a good look at themselves. What have they done to improve BD cricket ? Being an Indian fan, I am ashamed at the BCCI's attitude. Instead of playing a MEANINGLESS T20 and ODI series against Pakistan, why not schedule a 2 test series against BD. This is coming from a hater of test cricket BUT I too know the sense of playing test cricket with a nation that needs improvement. BD deserve to get proper practice against top teams. Right now, they are not being helped by anyone.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 19:27 GMT

When it comes to test cricket, Bangladesh is 100% guaranteed minnows.

Rishi
on November 10, 2012, 18:52 GMT

I guess the solution here is to give test status to more teams like Ireland & Afghanistan. Teams with close rankings should play each other more often. This would increase the competitiveness of test cricket & open the doors to more teams. I don't think ICC or BCCI have any vision for the future of test cricket. England & Australia are the only countries which give importance to test cricket.

Smith
on November 10, 2012, 18:47 GMT

@Umair Iqbal: Its look like you're making an excuse just in case Bangladesh does win. Most teams apart from a few struggle away anyway. Tamim scored back to back hundreds AWAY in England, Shakib scored a test hundred AWAY in New Zealand so that claim of yours is clearly invalid.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 17:38 GMT

Bangladesh Batsmen are just like faithful husbands; they only perform at home. They might prove my statement in this series.....

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 16:32 GMT

So apart from T20s, Bangladesh have only played 4 ODIs and 0 Test matches in 2012? disappointing. Well since the bigger teams don't want to play Bangladesh then what Bangladesh can do is that if they do somehow win this test series coming up unlikely but do then everytime you face West Indies, New Zealand and especially Zimbabwe, raise test series from 2 to 3 also play Associate teams in 4 day games and A games as often as possible. That's why the top 6 Associate nations have ODI and T20 status so do yourself a favour and them as well. Inviting a team like Ireland for an ODI series and T20 series in Bangladesh will show once and for all show who's better of the two because everytime I always hear Ireland are better than Bangladesh blah blah blah even though they're losing head to head to Bangladesh 5-2 in ODIs, 3-1 in T20s and 5-0 in Under-19 all Bangladesh leading Ireland.

Jawwad
on November 10, 2012, 16:01 GMT

There are hundreds of Tamims and Shakibs in age level school cricket but not all of our parents consider cricket as a profession so they won't let us have a cricketing future. The BCB here is also to be blamed because if you want to play cricket here in BD you have to sacrifice education and vice versa. I am a 14 yr old who plays part time school level cricket and I face the same troubles. All we need is a better branded cricket in our country.

Fahad
on November 10, 2012, 15:41 GMT

@JanooGerman well the stats were really surprising. they really should have done way better than what they have achieved. lets leave test cricket aside, i mean what have they done in ODI's n T20's?? accept it they r still an associate team at max!

Sami
on November 10, 2012, 15:35 GMT

According to stats since 2009 till now excluding Zimbabwe because they had a hiatus from Test Cricket, Bangladesh have only played 12 test matches and in comparison with other teams, England a staggering 33 test matches, India 31, Australia 28, Pakistan 26, South Africa 24, West Indies 24, Sri Lanka 23, New Zealand 19 and Bangladesh a mere 12 no wonder the ranking table looks quite awkward with Bangladesh on 0 points. Something needs to be done in my view and in that time both West Indies and New Zealand have won 4 test matches so there are issues with this that needs addressing totally agree with Tamim who has test centuries against England, India and the West Indies in the limited number of test matches they play.

Asad
on November 10, 2012, 15:12 GMT

Very well said @Janoogerman. My personal feelings are that all test playing nations are fed up with the consistent dismal performances by Bangladesh cricket team. Monetary wise the tour of Bangladesh or visit by Bangladesh team produces meager profits and/or no profits because of lack of interest among the fans. Channels covering BD series always complains about the lowest TRP. even matches in county, Ranji, Sheffield gets more followers then a test match with Bangladesh. Bangladesh cricket for the past five or so years are crying for quantity. In cricket quantity, automatically comes with the quality. In BD cricket no one has yet witnessed the quality? Imagine the progress of BD cricket is compared, year by year how many less matches the BD team has lost? If the comparison is somehow turned to how many matches BD team has won, they will start getting more tests. My advice to BD team is, start building the winning reputation or otherwise the number of tests will keep declining.

Hasib
on November 10, 2012, 15:02 GMT

Australia is not the center of the world. They consistently lose to England and watch how they lose to South Africa. India's test team will be also very weak without Tendulkar, VVS, and Dravid. They never had a good bowling attack but they made up for it with their batting. But those days are going to be long gone for them.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 14:56 GMT

Why not make matches with smaller nations like Ireland etc.....ICC should do something about it, player asking for more matches is an embarrassment for ICC.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 14:29 GMT

@dannemania...i dnt knw u r from which country but ur words were really really harsh...BD didnt get the chance to play too many test matches and thatz the reason why they didnt do well at past...if they get the chnce to play regularly i m sure they will do good...

Amber
on November 10, 2012, 14:23 GMT

I am Bangladesh Test cricket team and I am disappointed by ICC and by all other test cricket teams....what if I have the most dismal test records, What if I produced the highest loss ratio compared to any other team, what if I added the highest number of centuries to opponent batsmen, what if I produced the highest number of left arm spinners whose combined tally of wickets are much less than Murli or Warne during their first 72 tests, what if I did not produce a single fast bowler, what if none of my batsmen are considered world class batsman, what if all my fans think we can beat any team and that any team is not granted the test status yet, what if my batsmen and bowlers scores more words then scoring runs or capturing wickets, what if I consistently maintained the highest rating from bottom for the past twelve years, what if I never won a home series...... I am Bangladesh test team and I am disappointed. I should be getting the same number of tests like Australia, England, or SAF

Sami
on November 10, 2012, 13:57 GMT

Sorry but a gap of almost 1 year is simply not on. Zimbabwe have only played 1 test match this year which was way back in January otherwise Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will always lag behind the nations above them. If you don't want them to play Test Cricket then just remove them so the world can see that only 8 teams constitute in a ranking table haha I mean what's the point of a ranking table in Cricket considering that a few teams play it? no wonder most of the world dislikes Cricket. Just compare Cricket ranking tables to other sports like Football, Rugby, Tennis, Golf etc and you'll see how well structured they are.

Amber
on November 10, 2012, 13:46 GMT

BD cricket completing the first twelve years in test cricket. In this first 12 years the performance level of BD test team was very/very dismal. BCB somehow managed to convince the fans that the everlasting dismal performances in the test arena is due to very few tests played by them which I was in agreement. I decided to see how many tests each team played during their first twelve years and the results were....all BD fans can decide themselves. During first twelve years.... Aussie 33 matches (2.75 tests per year), Eng 33 matches (2.75 tests per year), BDesh 72 matches (6 tests per year), India 10 matches (0.83 tests per year), Kiwis 14 matches (1.16 tests per year), Pak 44 matches (3.66 tests per year), SAF 8 matches (.66 tests per year), SLanka 48 matches (4 matches per year), W Indies 22 matches (1.83 matches per year), Zimb 66 matches (5.5 tests per year). Even not including the upcoming tests against W Indies..... Bangladesh got the highest number of tests.......continued

Abdus
on November 10, 2012, 13:42 GMT

Don't forget bangladesh have the worlds no1 allrounder and others like Tamim and co coming good... in 5 years time bangladesh will be the top side in asia.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 13:16 GMT

I understand where he's coming from in fact, he still hasn't faced a test match against our Australian team and looks like he never will.

Jonny
on November 10, 2012, 12:15 GMT

@reality_check27 - Well if your last statement is actually true then its looks to me both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are just there to fill the ranks. But everyone knows there's a big gap in Cricket and if the tops really don't want to player lower ranked teams than why can't we include Ireland in the ranks so that these 3 Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Ireland can play as many between eachother instead of complaining why the top teams are reluctant to play them? that way their standard in Cricket will improve. You have to be aware that it took teams like India and New Zealand 20 or so years to win their first test match.

Jonny
on November 10, 2012, 12:09 GMT

@Luke Ashwood - What you said is true in some essence but Bangladesh are not desperately asking for major teams like Australia to play a 5 match test series 2 would be fine but still Australia and a few other are reluctant to invite Bangladesh. The Australia of Gilchrist, Hayden etc is gone now so I still see no reason how Australia are even more ahead than the team of that era. There's no reason why Australia cannot come to Bangladesh and play 2 test matches against them because the last time they toured was way back in 2006, one of the test matches was so close that Bangladesh could've won had it not been for Ricky Ponting. I checked the stats on the team that is most reluctant to play Bangladesh in tests and that is Australia who have only played 4 against them the last being in 2006 so I hope you can see my point thankyou.

maruf
on November 10, 2012, 11:12 GMT

inshallah bd will beat westindis.

Danish
on November 10, 2012, 8:59 GMT

Bangladesh have proved already that they do NOT have the talent necessary to win test matches.Not most,all of the bangladeshi test matches are one sided with the other team mostly winning by an innings or 10 wickets or something like that.bangladesh cricket team should learn a lesson from this and be at home with the idea that they just cant play test cricket.an empty space is better than the bangladeshi team occupying the test status.bangladesh,ireland,afghanistan and kenya.these four cannot even win odis.how can they be given test status?!sorry people,i was a little harsh here but my heart goes out when i see bad stuff happening to test cricket,which is my favorite kind.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 7:30 GMT

People always happy to mention how fewer test matches India and New Zeland used to get in their early years and Bangladesh got plenty of opportunities in last 12 years. What I would request people to make this sort of comparisons in context. what I mean is, try to get the numbers of test matches Australia, England and other top flight teams played during 60s, 70s, and 80s. compare that number to the current number of test matches top flight teams play. I am sure one will see the difference of the number is huge. So when someone blame Bangladesh for taking more test matches than New Zealand, Sri Lanka and India to be competitive, one should also compare the total number of test matches played in those respective era. Then you can only have the complete picture.

Ali
on November 10, 2012, 7:18 GMT

No problem bangladesh team is very good

vinit
on November 10, 2012, 6:05 GMT

@the_ashes see india has won in england in 2007 and many other times as well test series and have won test series in all other countries apart from australia and south africa where they have managed to only draw test series and this time they had a very bad tour to england and aus but they are unbeatable at home and same is with pakistan today they play well at home now known as uae and some years ago they were great team but mind u no matter how well a team plays they need to winand bangladesh has not been able to beat anyone at home. why do u think any one will consider them as long as they dont improve their winning record.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 5:39 GMT

the main theme of maximum comment is, play best and grab your chances..

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 5:36 GMT

Completely agree with Tamim. Hope you people will cater what you have in front now. Best of Luck BD team with a new shape management. Thanks to Mr. Papon because what he promising to us wish he will be successfully doing all the things for the betterment of BD cricket.

hossain
on November 10, 2012, 4:41 GMT

There are a lot of talented Indians, Pakistanis and Sri lankans who can't get into their national team because of stiff competition. Bangladesh should offer them citizenship to come and play in the Bangladesh test team and ICC should accept it.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 4:09 GMT

@The_Ashes - The answer is simple, yet unfortunate. The higher ranked teams are only going to invite teams (by choice) if they know there will be a good competition and also, what the public want to see. If say, Australia, invited Bangladesh for a 5 Test series in Australia, they would lose millions of dollars as there will be no interest. And the public will be denied their summer of cricket. Most people here want to see a 5 test series against quality opposition. 3 or less tests is pretty much determined after the first test and arouses less anticipation.

I agree with other comments where other countries with a similar standard should play frequently to get the experience. Only then will teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe gain the experience and develop skill levels to entice higher ranked teams to want to play more often.

udendra
on November 10, 2012, 4:07 GMT

hey mate, good thing you weren't playing for Sri Lanka, since they don't now play much test cricket.

V.L
on November 10, 2012, 4:05 GMT

Bangladesh must prove that they are worthy opponents first if they want test teams to play them more often. No one would want to play them , if they keep losing every test match they play!

aby
on November 10, 2012, 3:23 GMT

you know, i think bangladesh cricketers should play county test cricket in England, if they have any takers. That would not only get them practise, but also help them in competing with the best! I can say countless number of players from all cricket nations that have benefitted due to the English counties :). , hey thats something India havent done for international cricket.,i mean they have done plenty else. hmm...

Prasanth
on November 10, 2012, 3:06 GMT

India played just 73 test matches in the 16 years starting from 1960 through 1975, that is an average of 4.5 tests a year. There were two complete years they didn't play a single test, 1963 and 1970, yet it did not stop them from achieving world no.1 rankings during that period. Pakistan played just 51 between '60 and '76, averaging 3 tests per year. Did that stop them from producing great players and did that stop good players from performing? With what they have done in the last 12 years (or not done), Bangladesh should be happy that they are still a test playing country. It is upto Tamim and Co. to realize this fact, make most of what they get and send a message out to the world. And no, no amount of giant killings in ODI tournaments can get them the respect in test cricket, because those are two different formats altogether.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 2:59 GMT

That's the real reason as Tamim mention. Why BD haven't competitive in test cricket like other test country. Why no much improvement although they had played last 12 years? There was main reason no test match play frequently. I have requested ICC should look at this issue and arrange for BD more test matches which encourage them. That's the way BD will be more competitive test country. If BD no plays well in test match other test nation look at them negatively and criticize to ICC not BD. Why ICC had given them test status. So I think that's ICC one of the part (their work scope) to improve BD test cricket by arranging many matches.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 2:48 GMT

Good Luck to the Tigers!

Andrew
on November 10, 2012, 2:37 GMT

Tamim has a point, but the reality is, this is the first time really that his team mates are slogging it out in the domestic FC competition in the break. Bangladesh SHOULD be looking to have an offseason Test tour. If they can't find anyone to play against them - they should take on Ireland or Afghanistan in 5-day matches (benefit all involved). That said, Bangladesh should NOT be playing 10 tests a year either. I say this should be the case until they start to win more consistantly. Tamim should bear in mind that before WWII - Test players could go a year between tests, in those days they'd concentrate on 1st class cricket in the breaks.

associate cricket fan
on November 10, 2012, 2:26 GMT

otherwise they are going to thrash the opposition by an innings and 400 runs.

Omair
on November 10, 2012, 2:22 GMT

why not play tests with associate nations to get some experience and wins? forget all the BPLs, IPLs, and other PLs if so worried about lack of test cricket and invite Canada for a test series instead.

Jonny
on November 10, 2012, 1:48 GMT

Its ridiculous on why weaker teams like Zimbabwe, Bangadesh, Ireland etc do not get a fair amount of Cricket as the top teams above them its not on. Cricket is a fantastic game one of the best sports in the world certainly the best bat and ball game but its restricted for some reason. Yes they are not a top team yeah but there are good reasons for it. Almost a year since their last test is wrong and they need to play at east 7 annually. I see no reason why Bangladesh and Zimbabwe can play eachother in a 3 or 5 match test series considering they hardly even play Cricket even thought they're full members. India doesn't invite Bangladesh even for 1 test match and England are not planning to host Bangladesh again even though they played much much better in England then what India did last year in England. Despite Tamim back to back 100s against England sorry you cannot play in England again. People need to understand the top players of the other nations are retiring times are changing.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 1:29 GMT

Totally agree with Tamim first test series for Bangladesh almost a year since their last one something is clearly not right. Don't understand why BCB are not doing something about it because apart from T20s Bangladesh have only played 4 ODIs this year alone whereas a team like Sri Lanka has played well over 30. Players like Tamim, Shakib and Rahim who have made their debuts since 06 have still not played a test match against Australia yet so clearly FTP is a mess according to me. But I do blame BCB a bit for not arranging more matches and cancelling test matches i.e. the 2 match series against New Zealand late 2010. Also Bangladesh should arrange ODI series with some of the top associate nations home and/or away to keep them busy. If Bangladesh are not playing enough tests then when playing Zimbabwe change it to 3 because honestly both are lacking Cricket and not many wants to play them. Good Luck Tamim for the series!

Asaad
on November 10, 2012, 1:23 GMT

This has been our leanest year...Bangladesh hardly played any ODIs. Simply unacceptable whereas India and Sri Lanka organize a new triangular series every month!

Shipu
on November 10, 2012, 1:19 GMT

Indian fan but Tamim Iqbal is one of the few I personally adore in this Bangladesh team such a fantastic player to watch bat, you can't deny this young man's talent. Problem with him is his inconsistency and aggressiveness and if he sorts out these issues then he'll certainly make a name for himself.

Max
on November 10, 2012, 1:12 GMT

its difficult to play after 11 months, even team like australia, south africa will suffer. i wonder why 11 months gap? why BD didnt play?

No featured comments at the moment.

Max
on November 10, 2012, 1:12 GMT

its difficult to play after 11 months, even team like australia, south africa will suffer. i wonder why 11 months gap? why BD didnt play?

Shipu
on November 10, 2012, 1:19 GMT

Indian fan but Tamim Iqbal is one of the few I personally adore in this Bangladesh team such a fantastic player to watch bat, you can't deny this young man's talent. Problem with him is his inconsistency and aggressiveness and if he sorts out these issues then he'll certainly make a name for himself.

Asaad
on November 10, 2012, 1:23 GMT

This has been our leanest year...Bangladesh hardly played any ODIs. Simply unacceptable whereas India and Sri Lanka organize a new triangular series every month!

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 1:29 GMT

Totally agree with Tamim first test series for Bangladesh almost a year since their last one something is clearly not right. Don't understand why BCB are not doing something about it because apart from T20s Bangladesh have only played 4 ODIs this year alone whereas a team like Sri Lanka has played well over 30. Players like Tamim, Shakib and Rahim who have made their debuts since 06 have still not played a test match against Australia yet so clearly FTP is a mess according to me. But I do blame BCB a bit for not arranging more matches and cancelling test matches i.e. the 2 match series against New Zealand late 2010. Also Bangladesh should arrange ODI series with some of the top associate nations home and/or away to keep them busy. If Bangladesh are not playing enough tests then when playing Zimbabwe change it to 3 because honestly both are lacking Cricket and not many wants to play them. Good Luck Tamim for the series!

Jonny
on November 10, 2012, 1:48 GMT

Its ridiculous on why weaker teams like Zimbabwe, Bangadesh, Ireland etc do not get a fair amount of Cricket as the top teams above them its not on. Cricket is a fantastic game one of the best sports in the world certainly the best bat and ball game but its restricted for some reason. Yes they are not a top team yeah but there are good reasons for it. Almost a year since their last test is wrong and they need to play at east 7 annually. I see no reason why Bangladesh and Zimbabwe can play eachother in a 3 or 5 match test series considering they hardly even play Cricket even thought they're full members. India doesn't invite Bangladesh even for 1 test match and England are not planning to host Bangladesh again even though they played much much better in England then what India did last year in England. Despite Tamim back to back 100s against England sorry you cannot play in England again. People need to understand the top players of the other nations are retiring times are changing.

Omair
on November 10, 2012, 2:22 GMT

why not play tests with associate nations to get some experience and wins? forget all the BPLs, IPLs, and other PLs if so worried about lack of test cricket and invite Canada for a test series instead.

associate cricket fan
on November 10, 2012, 2:26 GMT

otherwise they are going to thrash the opposition by an innings and 400 runs.

Andrew
on November 10, 2012, 2:37 GMT

Tamim has a point, but the reality is, this is the first time really that his team mates are slogging it out in the domestic FC competition in the break. Bangladesh SHOULD be looking to have an offseason Test tour. If they can't find anyone to play against them - they should take on Ireland or Afghanistan in 5-day matches (benefit all involved). That said, Bangladesh should NOT be playing 10 tests a year either. I say this should be the case until they start to win more consistantly. Tamim should bear in mind that before WWII - Test players could go a year between tests, in those days they'd concentrate on 1st class cricket in the breaks.

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 2:48 GMT

Good Luck to the Tigers!

Dummy4
on November 10, 2012, 2:59 GMT

That's the real reason as Tamim mention. Why BD haven't competitive in test cricket like other test country. Why no much improvement although they had played last 12 years? There was main reason no test match play frequently. I have requested ICC should look at this issue and arrange for BD more test matches which encourage them. That's the way BD will be more competitive test country. If BD no plays well in test match other test nation look at them negatively and criticize to ICC not BD. Why ICC had given them test status. So I think that's ICC one of the part (their work scope) to improve BD test cricket by arranging many matches.

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